Portugal bids farewell to Ronaldo era after 23 years

Portuguese football turns a significant page in its history, embarking on a new phase without its legendary captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who spent 23 years wearing the national team jersey and left behind a footballing legacy that is hard to replicate, having become one of the most prominent symbols of global football.

The match between Portugal and Denmark at the Municipal Stadium of Braga marks a significant point in the new era following Ronaldo's international career, as the search begins for a generation capable of continuing the achievements made during his years with the national team.

The Portuguese star delivered an emotional farewell message on November 5, reflecting on his ambitions and contributions to his national team, saying: "I wanted to win, I wanted to be the best, I wanted to make history. I have always been demanding of myself, and I have always aspired for more, and I believed in our ability to go as far as possible, and I gave everything I had for this shirt."

Cristiano Ronaldo's international career began in August 2003 when Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari gave him his debut against Kazakhstan in a friendly match, and he was only 18 years old at the time.

Before Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival, the Portuguese national team had only participated in three editions of the World Cup and three editions of the UEFA European Championship. However, his presence brought a major shift in the team's history, as they managed to qualify for all major international tournaments held during his international career.

Ronaldo was one of the standout stars in winning the UEFA Euro 2016 title, despite having to leave the final due to injury. He also led his country to victory in the UEFA Nations League twice, in 2019 and 2025.

The impact of former Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo extends beyond the pitch, as sociologist João Nuno Coelho stated in an interview with the newspaper 'Expresso' that Ronaldo is the most famous Portuguese figure of all time.

Record numbers and a legacy that transcends the boundaries of football.

Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the Portugal national team with historic numbers, having scored a total of 985 goals, making him the all-time leading goalscorer in football history. He also tops the list of national team goalscorers with 146 goals for Portugal, alongside holding the record for the most international appearances with 234 matches.

Pedro Proença, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, took the opportunity to convey a message of appreciation for the former national team captain, emphasizing that his value goes beyond numbers and trophies.

Bruno said: "Ronaldo was more than just a player; he is a man, an athlete, a role model, a champion, and a leader. He is our leader. Beyond the victories, titles, and records, and beyond being the player with the most appearances and the most goals in the history of national teams, his most significant impact will remain in the example he set and the inspiration he provided to everyone, as he made Portugal present all over the world."

The celebration of Ronaldo's career extended to senior officials in the Portuguese state, as President António José Seguro sent a message of thanks to the veteran star, saying: "I thank Cristiano Ronaldo for the way he represented the national team, for inspiring the Portuguese people, and for his contribution to spreading the name of Portugal around the world."

For his part, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro praised Ronaldo's mentality, considering it a model that everyone should emulate. He said: "We must acquire a mentality of development and strive to push our limits, proving ourselves through excellence, and not postpone until tomorrow what we can achieve today... This is the mentality of Cristiano Ronaldo."

He added in his farewell message: "Thank you, what you have given on the pitch for Portugal will remain in memory forever."

The former Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa described the veteran star as "the greatest and best in Portugal, Europe, and the world".

Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent, has joined the list of depositors, affirming: "I reiterate my statement that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the history of world football. Thank you all in Portugal, there will be no other player like you."

Jorge Jesus has revealed his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo's potential retirement from football.

Coach Jorge Jesus spoke about the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's international career, stating that he expected the player to return to the national team, and he was even planning to call him up again before the decision to retire was made.

Jesus said: "I thought he would return, and I intended to call him up. I don't feel guilty about anything, and perhaps I rushed some things, but he knew that this would happen sooner or later during my time in charge of the national team."

Nevertheless, the coach emphasized the significant place that Ronaldo holds in the history of Portuguese football, stating: "No one can deny what he has been and what he still represents for Portugal; he is a symbol and a role model for young players."

An exceptional tribute fitting for the career of Portugal's captain.

In recognition of Cristiano Ronaldo's career, reports from Portugal have revealed an agreement between Pedro Proença, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Jorge Jesus, and the leaders of the national team to organize a special tribute ceremony for the veteran star, celebrating his contributions while wearing the national jersey for over two decades.

The tribute idea includes Portugal's players entering the pitch wearing shirts bearing the famous number 7, which is linked to Ronaldo and has become one of the most prominent features of his international career.

The match against Denmark at Parken Stadium showcased the new phase of the Portuguese national team without their historic captain, as Cristiano Ronaldo sat on the bench against Norway before entering into a dispute with Jorge Jesus that ended with him leaving the national team's camp.

On the performance front, the Portuguese national team appeared more daring and vibrant in attack, with Vitinha taking charge of the midfield, while Bruno Fernandes assumed a greater leadership role. Gonçalo Ramos delivered an impressive performance, scoring one goal and assisting another, in a scene that reflects the features of a generation preparing to take on responsibility after the departure of their historic captain.